Our sponsored rider Lewis Day is piloting a new ride this race season, having swapped out his Nukeproof Mega for a Mondraker Dune.
As you know, we took on the Spanish stalwart earlier this year, slotting in Mondraker alongside our other boutique brand offerings – Pyga and Transition. It means we’ve now got high-end carbon bikes on the roster, and signing up with Mondraker also gives us access to their huge demo fleet, meaning you can try the bikes for size and buy with confidence.
Lewis has been riding a Dune for a few months now, and has already competed in the opening rounds of the Welsh Gravity Enduro series and Red Kite Events Mondraker Enduro Series (which we co-sponsor!) We caught up with him to see what he’s made of the Dune in his first events of 2015.
Over to Lewis…
You came to this bike from the Mega – was it an easy move?
It proved a little more tricky than I’d first thought. With the combination of larger wheels (650b) and Mondraker’s forward geometry, it’s quite a different beast. A few rides later and endless tweeking and I’m finally feeling comfortable on the bike.
Forward Geometry…everyone’s heard loads about it. Tell us how it feels…
Sitting on the bike, the first thing that strikes you is the front wheel feels a long way out in front. This is down to the long top tube and short stem combination, which is all in the name of downhill performance. When pointing downhill, the bike really comes into its own. It’s a very stable and confidence-inspiring machine, which only gets better the harder you push. For a long bike, it’s also surprisingly agile with very direct steering, and the 650b wheels mean it carries speed effortlessly.
It sounds like it’s been designed very much for riding downhill – but to go down, you’ve got to go up first!
Worry not! Considering its downhill ability, the Mondraker Dune climbs with relative ease. The long top tube, which aids downhill stability, provides plenty of breathing room when the going gets tough up hill. My particular model (Dune XR) comes with the Fox Float X rear shock which can be completely locked out. Although this isn’t completely necessary, it is an added bonus.
So – to sum up, are you glad you made the jump to Mondraker?
It was a bold move choosing the Dune, but one that has paid off. The ‘forward geometry’ took a little getting used to, but the more time I spend with it, the more it rewards. With more and more bike companies mirroring their ethos, Mondraker are one step ahead!
The Mondraker Dune range starts from £2599.99. To discuss an order or arrange a demo ride, get in touch on 01497 822 419 or drop us a line on [email protected].